By: Javid Amin
Kashmir, once known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, is now grappling with a growing concern of crime. Over the years, the region has witnessed a rise in various criminal activities, earning it the unfortunate title of a “crime hub”.
The surge in crime in Kashmir has raised alarm bells among the local authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the community at large. Crimes such as theft, burglary, drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, and organized crime have become rampant in some areas, posing serious threats to the safety and security of the people.
Man kills a girl in Budgam district and chops her body. An alleged drug edit son kills his mother in Sopore. A father strangulates his nine-year-old daughter and then slits her throat in Kupwara district. These are not the scenes from some Hollywood crime thriller but the real stories of a land that in recent history was known as Peer Wae’r (an abode of saints and sages) where crime word was alien. This was a place where women out walk alone on streets in the dead of night and would never, in their wildest dreams, have any apprehension regarding their safety.
Times have changed. This land – Kashmir – is now notoriously being associated with worst crimes – rapes, murders, abductions, robberies, human trafficking, flesh trade, drug peddling etc. While sociologists need to study the issue seriously and try to find out that wherefrom the rot has come into the society, one doesn’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand that violence of past three decades has completely changed the societal landscape of this place.
Political instability coupled with violence and violent politics has played havoc with Kashmir society. While the armed ones did whatever they wanted to do with scant respect of human life and dignity, the general public has all along been on the receiving end. The continuation of violent conflict has had dangerous impact on the psyche of people. If a serious study is conducted here, most of the people would be found patients of PSTD.
The all increasing crime rate is not something that can be brushed or wished away. This is the reality of our times. It is happening just in front of us all. It may not have touched our homes yet, but it has been destroying homes in the vicinity. If this dangerous trend is not contained, no household will remain safe as rightly said by veteran Urdu poet Late Rahat Indoori –
” لگے گی آگ، تو آئیں گے گھر کی.. زد مائی، یہاں پر سرف ہمارا مکان، تھوڑی ہے “
People of Kashmir have to wake up. Parents have to wake up. Civil society has to wake up. Religious and social leaders have to wake up. This battle can’t be left to police and other law enforcing agencies alone. It has to be fought from every household, from every mohalla and village and from the pulpits of all mosques here.
First and the foremost responsibility lies on the shoulders of parents. They have to keep a close watch on their wards. We are not suggesting aggressive and suppressive parenting but a friendly one. Parents have to try to become too friends with their children so that they would be the first to notice any kind of abnormality in them and thus take the corrective measures well in time.
Religious leaders, particularly Imams of mosques too have a huge responsibility to contribute their bit. How many Imams and Khateebs spoke of the three murders mentioned above during their Friday sermons? These Imams should understand that these are the issues that they should talk about and make people understand what the religion Islam says about crimes and criminals. The words of these religious leaders carry weight and people listen to them. They need to devote sometime during their sermons to these societal issues.
It is a long battle and is to be fought on all fronts. People should be vigilant themselves and should not hesitate to approach law enforcing agencies if they see some criminal activities being committed somewhere. Drug trafficking and abuse are very common in Kashmir and we need to understand that this menace is mother of all crimes. People need to keep a close eye in their vicinities and report any suspicious activity to the police without any delay.
Another factor is the socio-economic challenges faced by the people of Kashmir. High levels of unemployment, poverty, and lack of economic opportunities have pushed some individuals towards crime as a means of survival or financial gain. Inadequate infrastructure and social services, including a lack of effective law enforcement and community policing, have also contributed to the rise of crime in the region.
The impact of crime on the society and individuals is profound. It not only poses a direct threat to the safety and security of the people but also undermines the social fabric and cultural values of the region. The rise of crime has also resulted in a sense of fear and insecurity among the local population, affecting their daily lives and well-being.
Efforts are being made to address the issue of crime in Kashmir. The local authorities and law enforcement agencies are working towards strengthening the law and order situation, improving policing, and implementing effective crime prevention measures. Awareness campaigns, community engagement, and rehabilitation programs are also being initiated to address the root causes of crime and provide support to those affected.
In conclusion, the rise of crime in Kashmir is a concerning issue that requires collective efforts from the authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the community. Addressing the socio-economic challenges, improving law and order, and promoting community engagement are crucial steps towards mitigating the crime situation and creating a safer and more secure environment in Kashmir.
Javid Amin
Editor: Shorat Kashmir / Kashmir InFocus / Kashmir Post
